• Revenue: RMB6.54 billion, a 27.2% year-over-year increase.
• GMV (Gross Merchandise Value): RMB7.27 billion, a 28.3% year-over-year increase.
• Non-GAAP Net Profit: RMB160 million, over nine times higher than the same period last year.
• Non-GAAP Net Profit Margin: 2.5%, an increase of 2.2 percentage points year-over-year.
• GAAP Net Profit: RMB133 million, an increase of more than 62 times from the same period last year.
• GAAP Net Profit Margin: 2%, up 2 percentage points year-over-year.
• Operating Net Cash Inflow: RMB400 million, an increase of RMB270 million year-over-year.
• Gross Profit Margin: 29.8%, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points year-over-year.
• Fulfillment Expense Rate: 21.4%, a decrease of 1.8 percentage points year-over-year.
• Marketing Expense Rate: 2.2%, an increase of 0.2 percentage points year-over-year.
• Cash and Cash Equivalents: RMB4.3 billion as of the end of Q3.
• Free Cash Flow: Increased by RMB270 million to reach RMB780 million over the past 12 months.
• Average Number of Active Transacting Users: Approximately 8.22 million, a 24.5% year-over-year increase.
• Average Monthly ARPU: Increased 6.4% year-over-year.
• Average Monthly Orders per User: 4.4 orders, a 6.1% year-over-year increase.
• 12-Month Retention Rate for Transacting Members: 57.3%.
• New Fulfillment Stations: 80 new stations opened by the end of Q3, with a target of 110 for 2024.

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Sign with DDL.

Release Date: November 06, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• Dingdong (Cayman) Ltd achieved non-GAAP profitability for the eighth consecutive quarter and GAAP profitability for the third consecutive quarter.
• Revenue increased by 27.2% year over year, reaching RMB6.54 billion.
• The company reported a significant increase in GMV, up 28.3% year over year to RMB7.27 billion.
• Average number of active transacting users grew by 24.5% year over year, reaching approximately 8.22 million.
• The company successfully opened 80 new frontline fulfillment stations in key regions, enhancing fulfillment efficiency and reducing delivery costs.

Negative Points

• Gross profit margin decreased by 0.6% points year over year, due to the company's strategy to pass supply chain benefits to consumers.
• Marketing expense rate increased by 0.2% points compared to the same period last year.
• The company faces challenges in maintaining high growth rates in regions outside Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai.
• Despite improvements, the fulfillment expense rate remains relatively high at 21.4%.
• The company has a significant interest-bearing debt balance of RMB1.66 billion, although it has decreased from the previous year.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Congratulations on the company's outstanding performance this quarter. How was this success achieved, and what operational achievements were made during the summer campaign in Q3? A: Our Q3 results were impressive due to several operational improvements. We opened 80 new frontline fulfillment stations this year, which rapidly increased order volumes and contributed to growth and profitability. We also enhanced our product structure and categories, particularly in the coffee table top category, leading to increased daily transaction volumes. Additionally, we improved our end-to-end efficiency, including inventory management and delivery speed, which enhanced the user experience and increased order conversion rates.

Q: Could you introduce the supply chain development of Dingdong's self-developed factory this year? A: We focus on developing independent production and R&D capabilities, with 12 self-operated factories specializing in various products. For example, our meat processing capabilities have expanded, and we now produce high-quality black pork. We have partnered with a black pig breeder to ensure consistent quality and supply. Our external sales channels are also experiencing significant growth, with a 180% year-over-year increase in revenue from our major product categories.

Q: Can you provide a more detailed introduction to the company's cash situation? A: Our cash position is improving due to expanding scale and profitability. Operating cash flow has consistently improved, with a net inflow for five consecutive quarters. We are enhancing inventory management and optimizing our financing structure, resulting in a decrease in interest-bearing debt and an increase in net interest income. Our self-owned funds balance has increased for the fifth consecutive quarter, demonstrating the strength of our balance sheet.

Q: What are the key factors driving growth in lower-tier cities within Jiangsu and Zhejiang? A: Growth in these regions is driven by our enhanced penetration rate through new fulfillment stations and improved product offerings. We have seen significant growth in GMV in these areas, with 13 cities experiencing over 50% year-over-year growth. Our focus on providing quality fresh groceries and expanding our product categories has contributed to this success.

Q: How is Dingdong enhancing its product structure and categories? A: We have expanded our offerings in the coffee table top category, including fruits, dairy, wine, snacks, and baked goods. This expansion has led to increased daily transaction volumes, particularly in the snack category. We continue to refine our product segmentation, processing, and packaging to align with consumer demand and improve product efficiency.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.